As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins April 23, Muslims are experiencing radical changes in the way it is observed.

Communal charity meals, such as this one organized by a local mosque in Dubai, have been canceled because of the pandemic. (photo by Kertu, Shutterstock.com)

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In an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Muslims in most parts of the world are prohibited from joining large religious gatherings—and the restriction will also impact the ways in which many of them break their dawn-to-dusk fast.

Every day before dawn during Ramadan, Muslims have a single pre-fast meal called Sahour and then fast until the evening meal or iftar, which they share as a community. Iftar is usually consumed immediately after sunset. It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially for the poor. The COVID-19 pandemic is dramatically changing this cherished tradition.

“We are expecting a lot more [work] since hotels too will have to donate through a charity,” said Hisham Al Zahrany, deputy director of Social Services at the society.

Long-standing traditions will also be reversed in neighboring Egypt, where charity iftar tables full of food have been banned. Egypt’s Ministry of Endowments announced in early April that charitable associations and philanthropists have been advised to give cash and food donations to the needy instead.

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The Church publishes this blog to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world.